Stanley pocket screwdriver: $2.99

The Stanley 66-344 pocket screwdriver is one of the best (if not the best) pocket screwdrivers on the market.  It features magnetic bits, a sturdy design, and windowed caps.  Amazon, Sears, and HD Supply Solutions are listing it right now for $2.99.

Stores like Walmart and Home Depot often sell cheap pocket screwdrivers for $2 or $3, but this Stanley driver is a higher-quality driver that will last longer and perform better.

For comparison, here are some other current online prices for the same driver that the three sites listed above have for $2.99:

- $4.59:     Quill.com
- $6.79:     Staples.com
- $11.99:     Houzz.com

Read a full review of this Stanley driver here.

Stocking Stuffer Tool Deals

With the holidays just about upon us, you may be looking for small stocking stuffer gifts for someone you love (or just like).  If that person likes tools, here are some great stocking stuffer gifts that are on sale right now.

- Gerber Shard

The Gerber Shard is a handy little keychain tool.  Made of just one piece of sturdy metal (no moving parts) it includes cross and slotted screwdrivers, a bottle opener, a pry bar, and a box cutter.  It typically sells for about $6 or $7, but right now both Amazon and Walmart list it for $4.33.  Some Walmart stores are selling a combo pack of the Shard plus a Gerber Mini Paraframe pocket knife for about $10, but this deal doesn't seem to be available online (at least not yet).

- Stanley Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver

This small Stanley screwdriver fits in the palm of our hand but is full of functionality.  It's a good ratcheting screwdriver, and it's magnetic, which is a rare combination for under $20.  It also comes with six common bits, which can be stored in the driver's handle.  Amazon and Target both have it for $4.79 -- a good deal.

- Stanley 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver

Another Stanley driver, this one is designed to be carried in your pocket.  There are several similar models of pocket screwdrivers, but none of them compare to this one in terms of quality.  This pocket driver is well-made with magnetic metal bits, and anyone who reaches for a screwdriver in a pinch will appreciate having this pen-sized driver in their pocket.  Often sold for $6 or $7, it's listed at just $2.99 right now on Amazon and $3.00 at Walmart.

- Pittsburgh Pro 3-Piece Thumbwheel Ratchet Set

If you still haven't found a good stocking stuffer, how about a set of three thumbwheel ratchets?  Thumbwheel ratchets are great for working in tight spaces, and this Pittsburgh Pro set can't be beat price-wise.  Each ratchet fits a different size socket: 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2".  Harbor Freight sells this set for $6.99 -- cheaper than most thumbwheel ratchets cost by themselves.

For more details on any of the tools listed above, click on the link below to read a full review:

- Gerber Shard
- Stanley Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver
- Stanley 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver
- Pittsburgh Pro 3-Piece Thumbwheel Ratchet Set

Stanley 66-344 pocket screwdriver on sale on Amazon

Stanley's 66-344 4-in-1 pocket screwdriver, possibly the best pocket screwdriver on the market, can be purchased right now on Amazon for just $2.39 (eligible for free shipping).  That's a great deal for this pen-sized screwdriver, and is about half of what it's often listed for online.  The interchangeable bits are magnetic and the driver stands up well to use.  (Full review here.)

Tool Review: Kobalt 0501856 Lighted Pocket Screwdriver with Level

Key Features:
 +   LED to illuminate screws
 +   pocket-sized
 -    Bits fall out too easily


The Kobalt Lighted Pocket Screwdriver with Level (model #0501856) is a neat little novelty tool, but probably not something you would carry with you every day and rely on.  It's a decent pocket screwdriver with a couple of extras thrown in.

The best feature of this screwdriver is the LED.  The LED illuminates the driver bit (and the screw) making it easier to see what you are doing in dark places.  There is a button to turn the LED on or off, located in a convenient spot for your thumb to reach when using the screwdriver.  The LED is bright enough to illuminate a couple of inches in front of the screwdriver, but not bright enough to use as a flashlight.

Two double-sided bits are included with this driver, a slotted bit (1/8 and 3/16) and a Phillips bit (#0 and #2).  Both bits are standard-sized hex bits.  The bits are strong enough and seem durable.

Both bits fit into storage slots inside the screwdriver's cap.  The plastic on the cap is very weak and easily reshaped, and it doesn't take long for it to flex enough for the bits to fall out.  So when you pull the cap off the driver, you have to be careful because the one or both of the bits might fall out.

The cap has a clip on it so you can attach it to a pocket.  The tool is about pen-sized, but a little thicker.  The tool has to be flat on its back side to use the level, but the level is raised so you can see it from the side.  Kobalt sells this tool with a lifetime guarantee.

If you use a pocket level such as the Irwin pocket level, this Kobalt driver/level might be a good substitute because it adds the screwdriver capability.  However, if you're looking to buy a pocket level to use often, you would probably be better off with something like the Johnson Keychain Level.  It's much smaller and costs less money.  If you like the Kobalt model, it is a pretty good value at around $3.  Similar pocket driver models typically sell for $5 to $10 on Amazon.

Kobalt tool reviews

Screwdrivers:
- Kobalt 0501856 Lighted Pocket Screwdriver with Level
- Kobalt 62731 32-Piece Double Drive Screwdriver Set

Tool Review: Allied 65051 1/2" x 3" Pocket Screwdriver

Key Features:
 +   Magnetic tip
 -    Pocket clip doesn't fit very tightly


If you work with small electronics or office equipment, there's a good chance you keep a screwdriver (or several) in your pocket.  A good tweaker comes in handy often, both on the job and at home, and the Allied 65051 1/2" x 3" Pocket Screwdriver is a good one.

This driver is thin and lightweight with a slotted tip.  One thing that sets this screwdriver apart from other similar drivers is the magnetic tip, which is strong enough to attract and hold small screws.

As a slotted screwdriver, the Allied driver is functional, though if you need to use a lot of force the small handle doesn't provide much grip.  As a tweaker, it works well.  The tip is small enough to get under most e-clips (the blade is slightly thicker than the blade on a Husky mini Phillips driver, so it won't fit under tiny e-clips) and it can also be used to open boxes or pop out plastic cover tabs.  The long shaft allows access to hard-to-reach places.

The screwdriver has a removable clip which is useful if you want to keep it in your shirt pocket.  The clip fits very loosely, and gives the impression that it can fall off easily.  The clip is hard to see when looking down -- a brighter color or more textured clip would have been nice to help locate it quicker when you are putting the driver back in your shirt pocket.  Because of the clip's loose fit, it slides easily over a pocket so you don't have to force it in.

The Allied 65051 pocket screwdriver is inexpensive, and can be purchased online from these retailers:

- Theisens.com:  $0.99
- CALRanch.com:  $0.99
- Amazon.com:  $2.03

[Update:  As of 1/30/15, Amazon has dropped its price for this screwdriver to $1.86.]

Allied tool reviews

Screwdrivers:
- Allied 65051 1/2" x 3" Pocket Screwdriver

Tool Review: DCI Travel Tools Keychain

Key Features:
 +   Very lightweight
 +   Fits on a keychain
 -    Over-priced

This set of keychain screwdrivers may be seen by some as a gimmick gift or novelty gift, but the DCI Travel Tools Keychain can come in handy more often than you might think.  The set comes with two small screwdrivers, each about the size of a key -- one slotted and one Phillips -- and a keychain.  Each driver weighs about the same as a key, too, so you won't notice any added weight.  You can carry them with your keys and forget about them until you need them.

If you're someone that always likes to have a screwdriver within reach, then you'll like the DCI set.  The drivers are small, but the tips are sturdy and hold up to moderate use.  The handles of the drivers are wider than the shafts, providing for a little bit of added room to grip.  If you have a really heavy keychain, then you might need to remove the drivers from your keychain in order to use them, but otherwise you can just pull your keychain out of your pocket when needed and start turning a screw.

The DCI Travel Tools Keychain can be purchased on DCIGift.com for $6, which is slightly over-priced, especially considering that you can get a good pocket multi screwdriver for less than that.  Amazon.com also lists this set, but it's currently out of stock.

Tool Review: General Tools 744 Pocket 4-in-1 Mini Screwdriver

Key Features:
 +   Sturdy bits for precision work
 -    Very little grip
 -    Plastic will warp over time, causing bits and caps to fall off


It never hurts to have a screwdriver close at hand.  Slotted screwdrivers especially are useful for popping off e-clips, prying off plastic covers, or doubling as a blade to cut open boxes or packages.  There are many models of pocket screwdrivers you can buy and carry with you.  One of these is the General Tools Pocket 4-in-1 Mini Screwdriver (model #744).

This pocket screwdriver is about five inches long -- about the size of a pen -- complete with a clip for hooking it onto your pants pocket or shirt pocket.  It comes with four interchangeable bits -- two slotted bits (1/8" and 1/16") and two Phillips bits (#1 and #00).  Each pair of bits are mounted onto a reversible plastic assembly which fits into either end of the screwdriver and has its own cover.  You can store the bits so that the two you use most often are protruding, and are easily accessed just by popping off one of the covers.

For a pocket screwdriver, the bits themselves are surprisingly sturdy.  When used as a lever against a metal rod with plenty of weight behind it, the screwdriver held up and did the job (even though the bit did bent slightly).  The two different sizes for each type of bit make the screwdriver useful in many situations.  When you need to change the bits, they slide out easily.  The screwdriver is lightweight and convenient, and can be handy to have in a pinch.

The caps on each end of the screwdriver are made with a lightweight plastic, and over time they tend to loosen.  Eventually they will become loose enough to fall off of the driver, both during use and storage.  The plastic shaft will also warp and loosen with use, causing the bits to fall out easily.  These two flaws are the main drawbacks to this pocket screwdriver.

Home Depot used to sell this screwdriver for about two bucks, and some stores may still do that.  (The HDX pocket screwdriver at Home Depot is the same thing, just branded differently.)  If you're looking for it online, Amazon.com lists it for $4.74, which is a lot of money for this pocket screwdriver.  You can also purchase it directly from General Tools for $2.74, which is a much more reasonable price but is still too high compared to other comparable drivers.

(Originally published on Helium.com, April 2011)

General Tools tool reviews

Screwdrivers:
- General Tools 744 Pocket 4-in-1 Mini Screwdriver

Ultra Steel tool reviews

Levels:
- Ultra Steel TR30206D Magnetic Pocket Level with Clip

Screwdrivers:
- Ultra Steel TS90354J 4-in-1 Mini Screwdriver

Tool Review: Ultra Steel TS90354J 4-in-1 Mini Screwdriver

Ultra Steel is a brand of tools sold in Walmart stores.  The tools are generally cheaper than most other brands, but sometimes they are a good value because the tools work well.  The UltraSteel 4 in 1 mini screwdriver (model #TS90354J) does not fall into this category.

The Ultra Steel mini screwdriver looks like a knock-off of Stanley's 4 in 1 pocket screwdriver (model #66344).  It's a pen-shaped pocket screwdriver, a little over six inches long, with two removable caps and a pocket clip.  The body is black, with a rubber coating, and the two caps are an almost-neon red.

This pocket driver comes with two metal double-sided bits.  Unlike the Stanley pocket driver, the Ultra Steel driver does not have magnetic tips.  There are two Phillips bits (#0 and #1) and two slotted bits (1/8" and 5/32").  The four bit sizes are printed on the driver body.

The bits slide into plastic slots in the driver, but the bits and slots weren't sized right because the bits slide in too loosely and can easily slide out.  The caps that cover the bits are also very loose.  General Tools makes a similar pocket screwdriver, with caps that loosen and fall off over time, but this Ultra Steel driver starts off that way.  The one nice thing about the caps on this driver is that each one has a large enough cut-out near the tip so that you can see which bit is installed on that side.

The driver handle is covered in a cheap-feeling rubber that provides no grip at all, so if you're trying to loosen or tighten a stubborn screw, this driver won't be much help.  The soft handle is comfortable to hold, but it provides no traction for your hand when turning a screw.

The Ultra Steel 4 in 1 mini screwdriver is made in China and sold at Walmart for $1.97.  That may seem like a great price, but for this screwdriver it's way too much.  For about the same price, you can buy the General Tools pocket screwdriver (model #744) at Home Depot, and that one is much better made than the UltraSteel driver.  For about twice the cost of either of those pocket screwdrivers, you can buy Stanley's pocket driver, which has magnetic tips that won't fall out and is manufactured to be much more durable.  This pocket driver gets 1 out of 5 stars.

(Originally published on Helium.com, April 2013)

Tool Review: Columbia River Knife & Tool 9094C Get-A-Way Driver

Key Features:
 +   Lightweight
 +   Functions as a standard or offset driver
 -    Bit extender doesn't lock into place well
 -    Carabineer doesn't spring closed reliably


The Columbia River Knife & Tool Get-A-Way Driver (model #9094C) is an interesting little multi tool.  It's basically a pocket multibit screwdriver, with a few other tools built in.  If you've never seen this driver, it's worth at least checking out.

The Get-A-Way Driver is extremely lightweight, making it great for pocket carrying.  It's official weight is listed as 1.9 ounces, but it feels lighter than that.  Stow it in your pocket and you won't even know it's there.  It measures 3.75" without a bit; about 4.25" with a bit.  It comes with a spring-loaded carabiner, so you could attach it to your key chain, but I wouldn't trust the carabiner.  The non-adjustable pins that hold the joint in place are loose, so the latch doesn't always catch right, leaving the clip open sometimes.

There are four screwdriver bits included, which are stored horizontally in the driver body.  The bits are standard 1/4" hex bits, but they are shorter than normal bits.  They all have ball-and-spring mechanisms on their sides, to help them "lock" into the driver so they don't fall out.  There are also handy nail grooves cut into the base of the bits, which make it much easier to remove the bits when you want to use them.  However, because of the bits' short length and their distribution of weight, when you remove any of them from their storage area, they have a tendency to pop out and fall onto the floor, instead of sliding out into your hand.

The four bits -- two Phillips, two slotted -- fit into the bit holder on the end of the driver for use.  There is also a bit extender, which in addition to providing a little bit of extra length, also enables you to attach the bits to the side of the Get-A-Way Driver, allowing for angle or offset driving.  This offset feature can be very handy, especially for turning screws in very tight places.  The driver provides good grip and leverage, whether being used offset or standard.  You can also fit regular hex driver bits into the end of this driver, but they are too big to be stored in it, and without the ball and spring, they would slide right out.

The bit extender is a nice feature, but the spring that helps to hold it in place is very weak.  The ball does not stick out far enough to really "lock" the bit extender into the driver, and it pops out of place easily.

On the bottom side of the Get-A-Way Driver is a bottle opener.  It works well, and because of the way it's mounted against the flat side of the driver, it holds onto the bottle cap as you remove it, rather than just popping it off.  If you don't want the bottle cap opener, you can remove it.

The Get-A-Way Driver also has an LED flashlight.  On the side closest to the key chain loop, there is a small black button that you can push to turn on the flashlight.  It's a decent light for a pocket screwdriver -- not very focused, but somewhat bright.  It's great for lighting up a dark hallway at night, or for looking around the inside of a computer or printer.  The light uses two 3-volt CR927 batteries, which come already installed when you buy the driver.  If you use the light often enough that you eventually have to replace the batteries, instructions for doing so can be found on the back of the Get-A-Way Driver packaging.

In theory, this driver is simple to use.  In practice, it's a little more awkward.  To remove the bit you want from its storage, you have to slide it out a little from the bottom, then use your fingernail in the cut-out to pop it out, then hope to either catch the bit or pick it up where it falls, then insert it into the bit holder.  Then when you're done and you remove the bit from the bit holder, you have to make sure the extender doesn't pop out with the bit.  It's not difficult to use; just not as smooth as you might like.

With a few minor improvements, the Get-A-Way Driver could be a really useful pocket screwdriver.  It also has an oxygen bottle wrench and a 10mm hex wrench on the bottom side, neither of which I've had occasion to try yet.  The Get-A-Way driver is currently sold on Amazon.com for $9.83, which is a lot to pay for a pocket screwdriver.  If you can find it for $5 or so, it's a great buy.  Amazon also sells a Torx version of this driver, for those who work with Torx or star screws more often.

Columbia River Knife & Tool tool reviews

Multi Tools:
- CRKT 9094C Get-A-Way Driver

First impressions: Gerber Shard and CRKT Get-A-Way Driver

Today in the mail I got a Gerber Shard and CRKT Get-A-Way Driver.  The Gerber Shard I'd been wanting for a while, but the Get-A-Way Driver I hadn't even heard of until recently.  Both tools are smaller than I thought they'd be -- a good thing, since they are both pocket tools.

The Gerber Shard is impressive so far, especially for its size.  I don't like the cross driver on its tip, but I didn't expect that to be a great screwdriver.  The CRKT Get-A-Way Driver is a neat multifunction screwdriver, but a little lower quality than I would have expected from Columbia River Knife & Tool.  I'm looking forward to using, testing, and reviewing both multi tools.

Miscellaneous / Unbranded Tool Reviews

Caulking Kits:
- ProCaulk Caulking Kit

Drain Cleaners:
- Home Essentials 5' Drain Cleaner Brush
- Turbo Snake

Multi Tools:
- A1ST Mini Multifunctional Pocket EDC Tool
- Jeep H07 Multi Tool
- Sequoia 10-in-1 Multi Tool

Pick-Up Tools:
- WorkShop 87602 Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up Tool

Screwdrivers:
- DCI Travel Tools Keychain

Tool Kits / Tool Sets:
- FineAuto Products 31 Piece Roadside Emergency Kit

Titan tool reviews

Bit Sets:
- Titan 16061 61-Piece Bit Set

Screwdrivers:
- Titan 32984 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver

Tool Review: Titan 32984 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver

Key Features:
 +   Good bit selection for a pocket driver
 +   Bits are durable
 -    Plastic frame warps over time enabling bits to fall out

For anyone who likes tools and likes always having a screwdriver with them, a pocket screwdriver is perfect. There are several different types of pocket screwdrivers, but one common style is the pen-shaped driver, which is about the size and shape of a pen or pencil and has a removable cap on either end, covering a double-sided screwdriver bit. The Titan 4-in-1 pocket screwdriver (model 32984) was designed in this style, and it ranks slightly above average compared to other similarly-designed pocket drivers.

Titan makes inexpensive small hand tools -- drivers, wrenches, sockets, telescoping mirrors, etc. -- that are sold in auto parts stores as well as some other stores. These tools are often cheaper options for those who can't (or don't want to) spend more money on a comparable tool from a more well-known brand. The Titan pocket screwdriver is sold for $1.99 at AutoZone, though the price may vary by location.

This pocket screwdriver resembles Stanley's 4-in-1 pocket screwdriver in appearance and function, though not in quality. The Titan driver has a black body and yellow end caps, with a gray double-sided bit in either end. The driver doesn't come in a package; it just has a little yellow tag with very little information about it. Each double-sided bit has a Phillips bit on one end and a slotted bit on the other end. One of the double-ended bits is stamped with the bit sizes -- PH #0 and 3mm -- but the other one, the larger of the two bits, doesn't have any sizes marked on it. The description on Titan's website doesn't give any information about the driver or bit sizes.  The bits are not magnetic.

The end caps fit on the body snugly, unlike with some other pocket screwdrivers, but the bits themselves are very loose inside the body. They won't actually fall out -- at least, mine haven't yet -- but they feel like they're going to. The bits are metal and the body of the driver is plastic, so eventually after enough screw-turning, the plastic frame will wear down and be too loose to hold the bits in place. The bits themselves seem to be of decent quality.

The body of the driver, which doubles as the handle when you are turning screws, does not have any rubber or added texture grip, but there are length-wise grooves cut into the body that do serve to provide some traction. Each of the end caps has a hole near the tip so you can see which side of each bit -- Phillips or slotted -- is ready to use.

Overall, this driver is made with the design, materials, and attention to detail that you would expect for its $1.99 price tag. If you need a pocket screwdriver in a pinch, this driver is superior to some other drivers with a similar cost, such as the General Tools pocket driver and the UltraSteel pocket driver, but it ranks far below the Stanley pocket driver. For a long-term pocket screwdriver, you're better off spending a couple of extra bucks and purchasing the Stanley model.

(Originally published in slightly different form on Helium.com, June 2013)

Stanley tool reviews

Levels:
- Stanley 42-240 Pro I-Beam Level

Multi Tools:
- Stanley 84-519 12-in-1 Multi-Tool
- Stanley T16 FatMax Multi Tool

Pliers:
- Stanley 84-096 5" Needle Nose Pliers

Screwdrivers:
- Stanley 66-344 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver
- Stanley 66-358 Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver
- Stanley 69-189 FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver

Socket Sets:
- Stanley 85-721 3-Piece 3/8" Drive Professional Grade Spark Plug Socket Set

Utility Knives:
- Stanley 10-099 Classic 99 Retractable Utility Knife
- Stanley 10-788 InstantChange Retractable Knife

Tool Review: Stanley 66-344 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver

Some people can't leave home without a screwdriver in their pocket. Folding multi tools are nice, but if you use a screwdriver a lot, a multi tool can't compare to a "real" driver. Pocket screwdrivers abound, some better than others, and one good one is the Stanley 4-in-1 pocket screwdriver (model #66-344).

This screwdriver is shaped like a pen and is about the same size — a little over 5" long. It even has a pocket clip like a pen does. There are two caps, one on each end of the driver, and under each cap is a double-sided screwdriver bit. There are two Phillips bits (1 PT and 2 PT) and two slotted bits (5/32" and 1/8"). Each bit can be easily reversed, and either bit will fit in either side of the driver.

One of the features that makes this pocket driver stand out from other similar drivers is the fact that the two bits are magnetic enough to attract (and hold) small screws. It's nice to have a magnetic screwdriver on hand, especially for tiny screws that can easily fall and get lost. The magnets are strong enough to attract most normal-sized screws, though for large screws the attraction may be too weak.

This driver has a nice look to it. It's mostly black, with the yellow Stanley logo on the body and the pocket clip. Except for the bits, the driver is all plastic on the outside, so it doesn't weigh much at all. The body of the driver has a nice grip that makes it easy to apply force when turning a screw. There is a hole toward the tip of each cap that allows you to see which bit is facing out on that side without having to remove the cap.

Since the driver is mostly plastic, the bit holders may stretch out over time, causing the bits to not fit as tightly, and possibly even fall out. This is a common problem with this style of pocket driver, and it affects other brands as well, including the General Tools model 744 pocket screwdriver.

While it's a good driver for turning screws, it's not the best choice to use as a lever or small pry bar, such as for popping off tough covers or removing E-clips. Because the bits are solid metal, they will push against their holders as you apply sideways force, and eventually the plastic slots will stretch, causing the bits to not fit securely. But overall, the Stanley 4-in-1 pocket screwdriver is a well-made tool, superior to many other pocket drivers and a great value for its price.

This driver is -- by far -- the best pocket screwdriver I've used.  I've reviewed about four or five different models, and this one stands head and shoulders above the rest.  The bits are magnetic, the driver is well-designed, and it holds up much better over time than other models.  I give the Stanley 66-344 pocket screwdriver 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This Stanley driver is available on Amazon.com for $4.29.  You can often find other pocket screwdrivers that look similar to this one for less, but the quality difference is easily worth the extra couple of dollars.

(Originally pulished on Helium.com, February 2013)

UPDATE: As of 6/7/14, Amazon has dropped the price of the Stanley 66-344 pocket driver to $2.79, which is an amazing deal.  Most comparable drivers, which are all inferior in quality, sell for about $2 or $3, so to get this driver for under $3 is a steal.